The Royals

Four years into his reign, is King Charles setting the royal agenda — or being forced to react to the people and problems around him?

Earl Spencer has renewed his attack on the King’s character and accused Buckingham Palace of responding “very aggressively” to his memoir. Harry and Meghan’s return to Britain continues to test the boundaries between family reconciliation and royal authority. And Andrew remains the most serious institutional threat, with the police investigation into him ongoing. He denies any wrongdoing.

Roya Nikkhah and Kate Mansey examine how Charles has handled these pressures — and whether his palace’s increasingly interventionist approach is a sign of confidence or defensiveness. With the King’s public approval at a record high for his reign, is the monarchy proving more resilient than the headlines suggest?

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Is Charles a King under siege, or does the monarch remain resilient? Get in touch: theroyals@thetimes.co.uk

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Read more: Earl Spencer's memory is no way to judge the King

Further listening: Inside the search for King Charles's most powerful aide

Producer: Robert Wallace

Video Producer: Eve Chadbourn

Executive Producer: Priyanka Deladia

Image: Getty
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Did King Charles really tell Earl Spencer that Diana would soon be forgotten? In his new memoir, Swan Song, Diana’s brother makes a series of explosive claims about the King’s behaviour following her death — prompting a swift and unusually personal response from Buckingham Palace.

Roya Nikkhah and Kate Mansey are joined by Andrew Morton, author of Diana: Her True Story, to examine Spencer’s disputed account and ask whether the Palace scored a “colossal own goal” by responding. He also reveals where Spencer’s version conflicts with Diana's own account, and explains why he believes the memoir is an attempt to take control of her story ahead of the 30th anniversary of her death.

They also discuss William’s reported “multigenerational fury”, Harry’s relationship with the Spencer family and whether the book honours Earl Spencer’s pledge to protect Diana’s sons — or risks them reliving their grief.

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Who should have the final say over Diana’s story? Get in touch: theroyals@thetimes.co.uk

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Read more: Hypocrite Spencer is peddling Diana's privacy, say King's allies

Further listening: Catherine, Meghan, Camilla, Diana — the price of marrying a prince

Producer: Robert Wallace

Video Producer: Eve Chadbourn

Executive Producer: Priyanka Deladia

Image: Getty
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why have Harry and Meghan moved Archie and Lilibet from their new school after just two days? Roya Nikkhah and Kate Mansey reveal what prompted the decision, how security concerns are disrupting the Sussexes’ new life in Britain, and whether the upheaval could strengthen Prince Harry’s case for greater protection.

They also examine Harry’s packed programme of public appearances, Meghan’s plans to renew her charitable work, and whether the couple are building a rival public operation to the royal family. Plus, they discuss the extraordinary Palace letter clarifying that the Sussexes do not represent the King — and the remarkable intervention over Uganda’s withdrawal from the Invictus Games.

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Can Harry and Meghan remain prominent “public figures” without coming into conflict with the royal family? Get in touch: theroyals@thetimes.co.uk

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Read more: Harry and Meghan change Archie and Lilibet's school over security concerns

Further listening: Can Harry and Meghan really be 'private' royals in the UK?

Producer: Robert Wallace

Video Producer: Eve Chadbourn

Executive Producer: Tim Walklate

Image: Getty
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prince George started at Eton College this week, following in his father's footsteps at Britain's most prestigious school. But what will his new life as a 13-year-old boarding pupil be like? Roya Nikkhah and Kate Mansey are joined by Melanie Sanderson, managing editor at The Good Schools Guide, to understand what the future king can expect - from the Eton terms he’ll have to learn, the mobile phone ban currently in place, and the people he will meet from different walks of life.

They discuss how royal educations have evolved over the generations - from the late Queen Elizabeth II’s home schooling, to King Charles’s tough experience at Gordonstoun School - as well as how likely we are to see a future king or queen attend a state school.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to press follow at the top of your podcast app. Get in touch: theroyals@thetimes.co.uk

Image: Getty
Producer: Natalie Ktena
Video Producer: Eve Chadbourn
Executive Producer: Dan Box
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Read more: Prince George arrives for first day at Eton College
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Harry and Meghan have returned to Britain with Archie and Lilibet, but their new life remains remarkably undefined. How long will they stay, what will they do here — and can two of the world’s most recognisable royals truly live as private citizens?

Back together after the summer break, Roya Nikkhah and Kate Mansey discuss Meghan’s possible acting comeback, the narrative changing on Harry’s security, and palace fears of a rival royal court. They also look at the public response, the appetite for reconciliation with Prince William and what success might look like for the Sussexes in Britain.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to press follow at the top of your podcast app.

Harry and Meghan are back in Britain. What do you want to know? Get in touch: theroyals@thetimes.co.uk

Image: Getty

Producer: Robert Wallace

Video Producer: Eve Chadbourn

Executive Producer: Priyanka Deladia

Watch us on YouTube.

Read more: Prince Harry and Meghan's return could be short-lived
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.